Idaho fry sauce is a beloved condiment that adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to your favorite fried foods. Perfect for dipping fries, onion rings, or even spreading on burgers, this sauce is a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire.
Most of the ingredients for this recipe are common pantry staples, but if you don't usually keep white vinegar or paprika on hand, you might need to pick them up at the supermarket. These ingredients are essential for achieving the right balance of tanginess and subtle spice in the sauce.

Ingredients for Idaho Fry Sauce Recipe
Mayonnaise: A creamy base that gives the sauce its rich texture.
Ketchup: Adds sweetness and a hint of tomato flavor.
White vinegar: Provides a tangy kick that balances the sweetness.
Granulated sugar: Enhances the sweetness and rounds out the flavors.
Paprika: Adds a mild, smoky flavor and a touch of color.
Salt: Enhances all the other flavors in the sauce.
Ground black pepper: Adds a bit of heat and complexity.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When preparing the fry sauce, ensure that the mayonnaise and ketchup are at room temperature. This helps them blend more smoothly and creates a more cohesive mixture. Additionally, whisk the ingredients vigorously to fully incorporate the vinegar, sugar, paprika, salt, and black pepper, ensuring a balanced flavor profile.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt provides a similar creamy texture and tangy flavor, making it a healthier alternative.
ketchup - Substitute with tomato paste and honey: Tomato paste mixed with a bit of honey can mimic the sweetness and thickness of ketchup.
white vinegar - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar has a similar acidity and can provide a slightly fruitier flavor.
granulated sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can add the necessary sweetness while also contributing a different depth of flavor.
paprika - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika can add a similar color and a subtle smoky flavor, enhancing the overall taste.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add the necessary saltiness along with an umami boost.
ground black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper can provide a similar heat and flavor without altering the color of the sauce.
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How to Store / Freeze This Recipe
- To store your Idaho fry sauce, transfer it to an airtight container. This will help maintain its freshness and prevent any unwanted flavors from seeping in.
- Place the container in the refrigerator. The sauce will stay fresh for up to one week, making it a convenient option for quick dips or spreads throughout the week.
- If you plan to freeze the fry sauce, pour it into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top to allow for expansion. This prevents the container from cracking.
- Label the container with the date of preparation. This helps you keep track of how long the sauce has been stored.
- When you're ready to use the frozen sauce, transfer it to the refrigerator to thaw overnight. This gradual thawing process helps maintain the sauce's texture and flavor.
- Once thawed, give the sauce a good stir to recombine any separated ingredients. This ensures a smooth and consistent texture.
- Avoid refreezing the sauce once it has been thawed. This can affect the quality and safety of the sauce.
- For best results, use the thawed sauce within a few days to enjoy its optimal flavor and texture.
How to Reheat Leftovers
- Store your Idaho Fry Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will keep it fresh and ready for reheating.
- When you're ready to reheat, take the sauce out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes. This helps to take the chill off and makes reheating more even.
- For a quick reheat, place the sauce in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it on medium power for 10-15 seconds. Stir well and check the temperature. Repeat if necessary, but avoid overheating to maintain the sauce's texture and flavor.
- Alternatively, you can reheat the sauce on the stovetop. Pour the sauce into a small saucepan and warm it over low heat, stirring constantly. This method helps to evenly distribute the heat and prevents the sauce from separating.
- If the sauce has thickened too much after refrigeration, add a small splash of white vinegar or a few drops of water to thin it out. Stir well to incorporate.
- Once reheated, give the sauce a good whisk to ensure all ingredients are well combined and the texture is smooth.
- Serve immediately with your favorite fries, burgers, or any other dish that could use a tangy, creamy boost.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Mixing bowl: A large bowl used to combine all the ingredients together.
Whisk: A utensil used to blend the ingredients until smooth and well combined.
Measuring cups: Tools used to measure out the mayonnaise and ketchup accurately.
Measuring spoons: Tools used to measure out the vinegar, sugar, paprika, salt, and black pepper precisely.
Spatula: A tool that can be used to scrape down the sides of the mixing bowl to ensure all ingredients are fully incorporated.
Refrigerator: An appliance to store the sauce if you are not serving it immediately.
How to Save Time on Making This Recipe
Measure ingredients ahead: Pre-measure all ingredients and have them ready to go. This saves time during preparation.
Use a whisk: A whisk combines the sauce ingredients faster and more efficiently than a spoon.
Store in a squeeze bottle: Transfer the fry sauce to a squeeze bottle for easy serving and storage.
Double the batch: Make a larger batch and store it in the fridge. This way, you have fry sauce ready for future use.

Idaho Fry Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- ½ cup Mayonnaise
- ¼ cup Ketchup
- 1 tablespoon White Vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Granulated Sugar
- ½ teaspoon Paprika
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine all ingredients.
- Whisk until smooth and well combined.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to use.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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